César Chávez Day March 31

Latinos in East Salinas mobilize to protest for farm worker rights during last year’s César Chávez Day march on April 2, 2017. By Samantha Calderon.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Civil Rights labor leader and activist César Chávez. March 31 is César Chávez Day at the federal level, but Cal. State Monterey Bay will recognize the holiday on Friday, March 30 by closing the campus.

On April 8, there will be a march in the streets of East Salinas, beginning at Cesar Chavez Community Park on Madeira Avenue to honor this anniversary of the passing of Chávez, and to commemorate farm workers.

Protestors chant “¡Si Se Puede!,” which translates to “Yes We Can!” during last year’s César Chávez Day march.

“…[there is] no better way to honor his legacy than by mobilizing thousands of people to demand rights for farm workers, such as decent working conditions, dignity and respect for the demanding work they do for our country,” stated the organizers on their Facebook page for the event.

In 1962, Chávez co-founded what is now the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. He worked with other Civil Rights leaders of the time, including co-founder of the UFW, Dolores Huerta, to improve work conditions and wages for farm workers.

Latinos in East Salinas mobilize to protest for farm worker rights during last year’s César Chávez Day march, which took place on April 2.

In 1966, as part of the famous Delano Grape Strike and Boycott, Chávez and the union walked from Delano, California to the state capitol in Sacramento. The 250 plus mile march was to promote awareness and show solidarity with the striking workers.

César Chávez Day was recognized as a federal holiday in 2014 by then President Obama.